Latest Pics

Here is the airplane as it is today. I'm waiting until after the move to Chico to complete the plane. Should be able to finish it in another 5-10 hours though.

Most of what's left is minor. Some basic electrical wiring and attaching the ailerons. We'll also need to paint the pod, but that comes last.

Another Overdue Update

I bet you lost faith, didn't you. Well, don't worry. I hereby declare that the plane will be flying before the end of the year. Isn't it funny how in May I was so quick to say "it'll be up in a week."

And truthfully, there's only a few more hours of work on this beast. Namely, I need to:

1) Wire the electronics
2) Paint the pod
3) Attach the ailerons
4) Attach a few wing wires, and...
5) Mount the propeller

But without the necessary electrical prowess, I have to bring in a third party (you rock, Art) and that cost $$$. Not that I don't have any, but I'm just a little reluctant to spend right now since I don't have a job. Not to mention that I'm almost certain there will be additional unforeseen costs when I get airborne.

According to my logbooks, I haven't flown since November 28th and it's killing me. I can't wait to get back in the air. But patience is a virtue, they say...so I will wait.

I promise to get some recent photos up in the next few days. I know I haven't even posted anything since we recovered the wings and made it look like an airplane again. I sense progress in the air. Will keep you updated.

Some perspective

I'm not a slacker

It's just that the holidays are so demanding. Nevertheless, I've made a little progress. Here it is

Update: New Plans for Plane

The plane is still moving right along. I don't spend as much time as I would like at the hanger, but I have still managed to make some progress. Right now, I've got the trike structure completely assembled. Tomorrow, Mark and I will take apart the 503 (that's the engine Mom) at his shop. Luckily, Mark's shop is heated and we won't have to bear the 40 degree windy weather. Up next is the seat and harness attachment, followed by the pilot faring (pod) fitting. Then the instruments, engine mounting and wiring and finally painting.

I'm still planning to get the plane completely assembled prior to leaving for California on the 25th. However, instead of doing the recovering here and risking damage to the shiny new sail set during the move, I'm going to wait to re-cover the wings and tail until I get to Cali. This will make transport a lot easier as well because now I can remove the old sails and just deal with transporting the tubes. I still have to find someone to follow me to Corning in a U-haul though.

Hopefully, I'll still be able to do the test flight at Kittyhawk with the old sails. They are in good shape (just ugly) and I just need to inspect the wing structure to ensure that it's ok too. (picture pending)

Smoke on a plane

The Aforementioned Altitude Chamber